Catholic Bishops warn of impending disaster as conflict rages in Sudan

TORIT – Catholic Bishops from Sudan and South Sudan have issued a dire warning about the deteriorating humanitarian crisis as results of the ongoing war in Sudan and the stalled peace process in South Sudan.

The Bishops, who concluded a seven-day peace conference in Kit, Eastern Equatoria State, on Thursday expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which erupted in April 2023.

The conflict has led to widespread displacement, loss of life, and a humanitarian catastrophe.

“Thousands of Sudanese have lost their lives, and millions have since fled their homes to seek refuge in relatively peaceful states or in neighboring countries. The humanitarian consequences on the civilians have gone beyond toleration and must be condemned in the strongest terms possible,” the Bishops said in a pastoral statement.

The Bishops urged the warring factions to prioritize dialogue and cease hostilities. They also called on regional and international actors, including IGAD, the African Union, and the United Nations, to intervene and restore peace.

“We call upon the warring parties and their supporters from both sides to respect humanitarian law and desist from blocking humanitarian corridors for lifesaving assistance,” the Bishops said.

Turning their attention to South Sudan, the Bishops expressed disappointment over the repeated delays in implementing the 2018 revitalized peace agreement.

The recent extension of the transitional period through February 2027 has further delayed crucial political reforms and elections.

“With the recurrent postponements of democratic elections in South Sudan, the hope for sustainable peace is waning,” they said.

“We exhort the Government of South Sudan and the opposition groups to speed up the implementation of the milestones of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and the speedy conclusion of the expected 2024 Tumaini Consensus without further delay,” the Bishops added.

The Bishops emphasized the need for a people-centered approach to governance, calling for the swift promulgation of a new constitution and the holding of free and fair elections.

They also urged the international community to continue supporting South Sudan’s efforts to achieve stability and development.